Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool are stepping up their transfer plans for another big-money signing.
Liverpool is reportedly closing in on the £ 50 million transfer of Romeo Lavia from Southampton, as they fend off the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea for his signature. The Reds have already landed midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister as Jurgen Klopp continues to overhaul his midfield in a bid to get back challenging at the top of the Premier League.
There were questions over whether a third midfielder would join the club amid fears of a logjam in that position, but after James Milner, Naby Keita, Arthur Melo, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left in the summer and Thiago and Jordan Henderson both linked with moves to Saudi Arabia – the Reds may be able to find space for Lavia.
Other Liverpool targets have been Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram but attention appears to have turned towards Lavia, now journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that the Reds are convinced that the Belgian has chosen to join them ahead of their league rivals in a potential £50m deal.
With the 19-year-old keen on a move, it is unlikely that personal terms would be an issue, though Liverpool are still yet to agree a fee with Southampton in the only reported major stumbling block remaining. Talks are ongoing between Lavia and the Reds as Klopp is said to be keen on bringing the teenager to Anfield.
Liverpool have been targeting Lavia as a more defensive-minded midfielder to compliment Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, while also providing a crucial rotation option for Fabinho who alongside several of his teammates struggled last season to continue their form of recent years.
Manchester City, who sold Lavia to Southampton last summer, do have a buy-back clause though it is reportedly only active in 2024 – meaning that Pep Guardiola’s outfit would have to match the bids set by their rivals to bring him back to the club for the coming season.
Citywille ccity20 percent of the selling fee, which has further prompted Southampton to demand a fee as high as £50m – as they would part ways with £10m immediately. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal have all taken an interest in Lavia but it remains to be seen whether either team is prepared to spend £50m for his signature.
The Reds have not been afraid to spend this summer, but there is a chance that pursuit of Lavia at £50m could be impacted by their interest in Chelsea defender Levi Colwill.
The center-back recently was part of the England Under-21s that won the European Championship and failed to confirm that he would be returning to Stamford Bridge after being asked by his Blues team-mate Noni Madueke.
